Summer Beach: Seabreeze Summer, page 20
Chapter 22
“I HOPE YOU HAVE A relaxing weekend, and we look forward to welcoming you back,” Ivy said to Celia, who was on her way to see her parents in San Francisco. She held the front door open for her. Outside, the sun was hovering low on the horizon as the day was drawing to a close.
“My mother wants me to stay in San Francisco,” Celia said, swinging her long dark hair over her shoulder. “I have cousins visiting from China, so I’m tempted, but the children in Summer Beach would miss the summer music program. They’re doing so well. And what if Tyler returns and I’m not here?”
“Do what’s in your heart,” Ivy said, though she wanted to say that it might serve him right—or at least wake him up. “This is between the two of you. But make sure you tell him how you feel—and what you expect of him in the future.”
“Thanks. I’m giving this a lot of thought.” Celia slung her designer canvas bag over her shoulder and stepped onto the front terrace.
Celia’s husband still hadn’t returned to Summer Beach, and Ivy could see the worry in her eyes. Ivy hoped he would be okay. With a small boat on the water, anything could happen, especially when the seas were rough. Ivy stepped outside beside her. “Are you worried about him?”
Celia nodded. “But Tyler finally checked in with his brother, so at least I know he’s alive and still out on the boat. Or he was as of last week. Whatever he decides, I’m going to be okay. Really I will.” With a shrug, Celia descended the stairs. “I’ll see you soon.” She rolled her matching bag beside her on the front path where they’d last seen Tyler.
Ivy watched Celia climb into an idling ride-share car and waved. Another older couple had already departed. As soon as some guests left, others were arriving.
Poppy had posted their new room availability online, and they had quickly filled the rooms for the long weekend. Jamir had finished painting the units in the servant’s quarters—the Sunset rooms, they were now calling them—and Poppy had added those to their inventory. Ivy was surprised that two of those four rooms had already been booked.
As Ivy watched Celia depart, Shelly ambled up the path carrying an armful of creamy white flowers and greenery. Shelly waved, too. “Hope Celia has a good weekend and finds a big party up in San Francisco,” Shelly said. “She needs to blow off some steam over that lousy Tyler.”
“I kind of agree, but we should try to stay out of guest’s personal business,” Ivy said, even though it was hard to stand by and watch.
Shelly quirked up a side of her mouth. “I get that. It’s not like we’re sterling examples either, is it?”
“I think we’re both doing much better,” Ivy said, admiring the tall stalks of fragrant tuberose Shelly carried. She leaned in to inhale their sweet, heady aroma. “Gorgeous, but I know these didn’t come from our garden.”
“I stopped by Blossoms to say hello to Imani.” Shelly went inside and began filling in the center table arrangement in the foyer with flowers. “Isn’t the scent intoxicating? One stalk can perfume an entire room.”
“Some of my favorites, too,” Ivy said, following her inside.
Shelly fluffed the flowers. “When I admired the tuberose, Imani insisted I take them. Wouldn’t allow me to pay for them. Maybe I’ll grow some next year.”
“Imani’s very generous,” Ivy said. She and Shelly had taken good care of Imani and Jamir, too. With his tall frame, Jamir was always hungry, so Shelly and Ivy made extra food for him when they cooked so he wouldn’t have to go out to eat. Bennett often made sandwiches for him in his upstairs apartment in the rear. Jamir was like everyone’s kid brother.
Shelly stepped back to check the bouquet and adjust the tuberose stalks. “Say, have you seen a rogue gardening glove around?”
“Did you leave it outside?” Ivy asked.
“One is right where I left them in the kitchen, on top of my gardening boots by the back door.” Shelly ran a knuckle along her jawline. “But one is gone.”
“Maybe you dropped it on the way in.” Ivy scooped up a couple of leaves that dropped.
“You’re probably right. Maybe a squirrel ran off with it. Or the ghost of Amelia Erickson is playing tricks on us.”
Ivy shivered at the thought. “Don’t let the guests hear you say that.”
“Poppy lost a USC T-shirt,” Shelly said. “Maybe we do have a ghost.”
The thought had crossed Ivy’s mind. She’d missed a couple of small items that weren’t really important. A hair clasp, a favorite bookmark. Surely they’d turn up. Still, it made her wonder. She pulled off another yellowed leaf. “I’m sure Poppy’s T-shirt is in the laundry.”
Shelly let the ghost topic go. “So are you coming out on the boat with us tomorrow?”
Ivy shrugged a shoulder. “I haven’t received an invitation.”
Bennett’s rich, gravelly voice rang out behind them. “Do you want that engraved, or will a verbal invitation do?”
Ivy whirled around. “How dare you sneak up on me like that?” He’d caught her off guard, and she didn’t know if it was that or the magical sound of his voice that sent her pulse pounding in her ears.
Bennett held his hands out. “You haven’t answered my question.”
“Depends on who is going,” Ivy said, challenging him. If he’d invited another woman, how would she feel about that? She held her breath, waiting. And hoping she was wrong.
“Mitch and Shelly. Me. And I hope you, too.” Bennett nodded his head in an apology. “I just heard that you canceled the party. With Shelly going, I thought you knew you were welcome.” He took another step toward her.
Shelly perked up. “That’s what I told her.”
“I didn’t want to assume,” Ivy said lightly. “How did you know I’d canceled the party?”
Bennett gestured over his shoulder. “Poppy posted it on the activity board. Along with the news of the new honor bar in the music room. That’s a nice touch.”
“Thanks,” Ivy said, easily accepting his compliment. With each passing day, she was growing more confident of her decisions at the inn. “And I would like to join you. I love being on the water.” It’s so romantic, she almost added, but she stopped herself.
“This will be an amazing night.” A smile played on Bennett’s lips as he held her gaze. “I have some special things planned.”
Bennett’s eyes sparked a feeling of pleasure that rippled through her body. “What shall we bring?” Though she tried to keep her composure, there was no denying the connection with Bennett. Did he feel it, too?
“Only yourself,” he said, his words conveying more than was said.
“Told you.” Shelly smothered a grin and focused on the flowers.
Behind them, Poppy cleared her throat, breaking the spell between Ivy and Bennett. “You won’t believe the call that just came in.”
With reluctance, Ivy turned toward Poppy. “Problem?”
“I hope not.” Poppy glanced down at a pad she held. “A woman named Debra is checking in soon. You’ll never guess who referred her.”
“Darla,” Shelly said, chuckling.
Poppy’s eyes grew wide. “How did you know?”
“Actually, I was kidding.” Shelly clamped a hand over her mouth.
“Is this a set-up?” Ivy frowned.
“That’s Darla’s sister.” Bennett stroked his chin. “I’ve met Debra, but it was a long time ago. She didn’t strike me as that type. Maybe she just needs a room.”
Ivy frowned. “But why wouldn’t she stay at Darla’s home?”
“I got the impression they’re pretty different,” Bennett replied.
“You’re awfully diplomatic.” Shelly jabbed her hands onto her hips. “Maybe because Darla is a b—”
“Shh,” Ivy said, lowering her voice. Guests were making their way into the music room, where Poppy had set up a table with complimentary tea and coffee, apples and grapes, and cheese and crackers and cookies. Ivy and Shelly had stocked a cabinet with wine and spirits, along with a modest suggested price list for those and a bowl for people to leave whatever cash they wanted.
“I think your idea is going over well,” Poppy said.
“Let’s go welcome everyone and mingle,” Ivy said, noticing that people were beginning to chat and introduce themselves. Between the yoga and painting class, beach walks, and Celia’s student musicians, the Seabreeze Inn atmosphere was feeling more and more like a welcoming haven to relax and rejuvenate. The sound of soothing piano music from one of Celia’s protégées, a teenaged boy who lived in the neighborhood, was already filling the house.
“May I escort the proprietor?” Bennett offered Ivy the crook of his arm.
“One of them,” Ivy said, smiling at Shelly. She appreciated this lovely gesture. Ivy slid her hand over his arm, enjoying being close to him. Local residents might notice, but she figured this might be a subtle beginning.
Shelly and Poppy followed them into the music room, which also opened onto the terrace. Soon guests were sipping wine or sparkling water, chatting, and sharing their holiday plans. The cool evening breeze and the beautiful music seemed to put everyone at ease.
After saying a few words of welcome and making suggestions for restaurants and places to visit, Ivy watched as locals circled Bennett to talk about city issues. Ivy stepped aside. He was their mayor, after all, and they had important business to discuss. She went outside on the terrace to join Shelly. The setting sun cast a pinkish glow over the small gathering that was spilling outside around the pool.
“Look at this happy crowd,” Shelly said, sipping a glass of wine. “You’ve done an amazing job with this place.”
Ivy nudged Shelly’s shoulder. “Couldn’t have done it without you and Poppy.”
Shelly took in their surroundings—the grand old house, the pool, the ocean. “Think we’re going to make it here?”
“I know we will.” Ivy spoke with confidence. However, though the summer was well underway, Ivy also knew that a lot could still happen. Yet she was determined that they would not be deterred.
“As long as Carol Reston’s wedding party goes well, we’ll be on track,” Ivy said. To pay the back property taxes and have a little left over for the winter. Although she didn’t say it, Shelly caught her meaning.
“We’ll come through this,” Shelly whispered.
“I’ll do everything in my power to make sure we do.”
“Even if it means cavorting with the mayor?”
“I am hardly cavorting with the mayor.” Ivy laughed at her sister’s use of the word.
“Speaking of that, I kind of miss New York, this time of year,” Shelly said, sounding homesick for the city. “I know we’ll have a good time tomorrow, but New York this time of year was always special. There’s nothing like being among thousands of people watching the most amazing fireworks over the East River.” She waved a hand across the skyline as she spoke. “Last year, a 1,600-foot-long waterfall of fireworks burst between the towers of the Brooklyn Bridge. It was spectacular.”
“Sounds incredible,” Ivy said. “Summer Beach can’t compare with that.” Shelly had always been drawn to the excitement of New York, but she hadn’t been happy there for a while. “Your life is better here, don’t you think?”
“Is it?” Shelly seemed to mull this point over as she watched their guests becoming more animated. Nodding inside, she added, “I just hope that none of our guests snatched the crown jewel.”
“Me, too,” Ivy said softly. What if one of them had?
Chapter 23
THE NEXT MORNING, IVY AND Shelly prepared a red, white, and blue Independence Day brunch with their signature Sea Breeze cocktails. They also served blueberry and cranberry muffins from Java Beach, along with vanilla and cherry yogurt with granola. The guests soon left in a flurry of flip-flops and beach hats to go to the beach or visit friends and have barbecues.
Although Bennett and Mitch hadn’t asked them to bring anything, Ivy and Shelly still packed a picnic basket for the boat. Ivy tucked in an assortment of cheeses, along with homemade rosemary crisps Shelly had mastered.
“I’m adding strawberries, mandarin oranges, grapes, avocados, and cherry tomatoes,” Ivy said, making room for the fruits and vegetables. She’d been shopping at the weekly farmer’s market, where she was enjoying getting to know the local vendors who had farms near Summer Beach. “Anything else?”
“Honestly, as long as we have sunscreen, wine, and a corkscrew, I’m happy,” Shelly said.
Just then, Bennett opened the back door to the kitchen. “That looks incredible. And a lot better than the sandwiches Mitch said he’s bringing.”
“Better to have plenty to share,” Ivy said.
“In case we drift off and get stranded on a desert isle.” Shelly grinned as she rolled up napkins.
“I’ll take that for you,” Bennett said, lifting the wicker basket with ease. He cast an appreciative glance at them. “You both look great.”
“Thanks,” Ivy said. She had worn a navy-and-white striped French T-shirt with navy clam digger pants and deck shoes, while Shelly had opted for a bright blue sundress with a flowing ruffled skirt and rubber-soled sandals. “You look ready to get on the water yourself.”
Bennett wore a loose white shirt and light blue shorts with well-worn deck shoes. Nothing fancy, just relaxed and comfortable. His cropped hair had light sun streaks.
Ivy smiled to herself. She liked his look.
Gathering their essentials, along with sun visors, Ivy and Shelly followed Bennett to the SUV.
As they climbed into the car, Ivy admired how Shelly’s strappy dress showed off her toned arms, which Ivy still hoped for. Or maybe not, she thought. She and her sister really were built differently. The older Ivy became, the more accepting of her body she had become. She’d never be tall and model thin, but as long as she was healthy and reasonably fit, she decided she’d be fine with that. After all she’d been through, comfortable was good enough for her now.
When they reached the marina, they parked. Mitch waved them down and helped Shelly from the back seat of the SUV. “Wow,” he said, admiring Shelly’s outfit—or more accurately, the way she wore it. “You look gorgeous,” he said, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek.
“Oh, thanks.” Shelly looked surprised and even blushed a little.
Bennett brought out the picnic basket and carried it with one hand, while he took Ivy’s hand with the other. He leaned toward her. “Is this okay?”
“It’s nice,” Ivy said. “As long as you don’t mind all the people around.”
“I don’t if you don’t,” Bennett said, glancing around. “This is the busiest holiday of the year here.”
Ivy squeezed his hand in answer. It was as if he were making an announcement that they were together.
The marina was crowded, at least for Summer Beach. Lots of locals—Ivy was beginning to recognize more people—milled around greeting out-of-town guests and family members who’d come to Summer Beach for the Light Parade on the water.
As they started down the walkway to the boat, people stopped to speak to Bennett and Mitch. It took them quite a while to walk the short distance, but they were with the mayor and the owner of one of Summer Beach’s most popular hangouts.
Arthur and Nan waved from the deck of one decorated boat, while Jen and George waved from another one, along with Imani and Jamir. Red, white, and blue ribbons festooned the boats, and flags waved in the breeze. The party atmosphere was infectious.
“Seems like everyone in town is here,” Ivy said. She saw more than one person do a double-take upon seeing her and Bennett together.
“Word that the mayor is holding hands with a new woman is bound to travel fast,” Bennett said, squeezing her hand.
“Kind of a big step, isn’t it?”
Bennett brushed a stray strand of hair from her eyes. “I couldn’t be prouder. I’m the luckiest guy here.”
Ivy nodded at Shelly and Mitch in front of them. “Mitch might argue that point.”
“We’re both lucky.” The light in his eyes matched the brilliance of the afternoon sun. With their flecks of green and amber, Ivy thought he had the most magnetic hazel eyes she’d ever seen.
“Here we are.” Bennett stopped by a large cabin cruiser. Teakwood accents gleamed against pristine white. Lights were stretched from bow to stern and from port to starboard. “Wait until the sun sets. The lights are amazing. We’ll join the water parade then. It starts near a neighboring yacht club, and we’ll cruise the coastline.”
They all made themselves comfortable. Bennett took the wheel, and soon they were underway, heading out to open waters.
Ivy lifted her face to the breeze, loving the feeling of the light salty spray misting her face. “This reminds me of when we used to go out with our parents when we were kids.”
“Growing up by the ocean sure had its advantages,” Bennett said. “My sister Kendra and I did the same. We learned to sail when we were pretty young.”
Ivy turned around to look at Shelly and saw her sister nestled in the crook of Mitch’s arm. They were both laughing and seemed incredibly happy, and Ivy was pleased for them.
At once, a vision of the future opened in Ivy’s mind. Bennett and Mitch, spending weekends on the boat. This could be our new lives.
But it was too soon to have such thoughts. Ivy blinked, banishing the thought from her mind. Enjoy the day, she told herself. Just enjoy the moment.
Ivy tipped her head up again and breathed in the fresh salt air.
“Dolphin pod at two o’clock,” Mitch called out.
Bennett eased off the throttle. They bobbed in the water as they watched the magnificent creatures. “Let’s drop anchor here.”
Ivy and Shelly brought out the picnic they’d packed, and Mitch brought out the sandwiches he’d made.
“What are these?” Shelly asked. “They look yummy.”
Mitch grinned. “I used your bread recipe. Spread slices with olive oil and pesto, added tomatoes, scallions, and thin-sliced, seared albacore tuna. Then I put the sandwiches into a Panini grill.”
“Impressive,” Bennett said, grinning. He put on music, and they all kicked off their shoes and sat on the deck eating, basking in the sun, and watching the dolphins and whales swimming past. The water lapped against the hull, gently rocking the boat.
